224 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



THURSDAY AFTERNOON. 



MAKING HOUSEWORK EASIER. 



MRS. MARY A. MAYO, BATTLE CREEK. 



In order to make the housework easier, it is very essential that we 

 have a love for it, and a desire to do it in the best manner possible, and 

 enjoy the labor necessary to its accomplishment. I pity the woman who 

 hates her housework. She may have a most convenient house; all the 

 labor saving appliances she desires, but if she hates it, it is going to be 

 hard for her and hard for her family. That which we love and enjoy 

 doing is easy of accomplishment. 



How many of us are loving our housework because it is our work, and 

 our duty to do it; loving it because we enjoy doing it, and all for the sake 

 of the loved ones that share with us the shelter and comfort of the home'j* 

 When done in a spirit of love, and in the fulfillment of the solemn obliga- 

 tions of wife and mother, the tasks are pleasant, the burdens easy, and 

 the work glorified. If we love it, it will be easy. Nothing that we have 

 to do is menial. The cooking, dishwashing, scrubbing, washing and iron- 

 ing all may be made beautiful, uplifting. Godly work, if we but engage 

 in it in the right spirit. 



Systematizing onr work goes a long way in making it easier. Not the 

 system of a machine, but such an order in doing that a sharp, shrewd, 

 business woman will bring to bear upon her work. This housework is 

 our business, and we must use close calculation, economy of material, 

 time, and strength. The larger the family and the smaller the purse, the 

 greater the need of a systematic business management. We are commit- 

 ting a wrong against our children when we fail to have order in the 

 home, and a system in our work. They will soon go into other homes, 

 bearing with them the atmosphere in which they have lived, benefiting 

 or degrading as the case may be. 



Well matured plans for each day will make work easier. A prayer for 

 grace and strength to meet the day is very helpful. Make an invoice 

 each morning of the demands of the day, plan how to do it easily and 

 well with the least outlay of time and strength. Carefully calculate on 

 how much you can cancel out without discomfort to yourself and family. 

 Then bravely set hand and face to the work of the day. Nothing is 

 gained from half doing our work, or in doing two or three days' work in 

 one. 



The washing should be done on Monday — if the Sabbath has been a 

 day of rest, you are rested and ready for the washing. The linen for the 

 family and house has been changed and is ready for washing. Each 

 member of the family should place their soiled garments in the basket or 

 bag for soiled linen — much time and strength is thus saved to the 

 washer. Each member of the family should bear their just share of the 

 burdens of the work. If there are children, let the work be so divided' 



